Tourism stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration, policy reforms, increased investment and effective regulation to unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential and boost its global competitiveness.
The call was made on Thursday in Abuja during the ninth Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE), themed “Tourism Transformation Through Collaboration, Policy Alignment and Investment.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day forum brought together policymakers, investors, tourism operators, development partners and other key stakeholders to chart a sustainable path for the sector.
In his welcome address, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr Aliyu Badaki, said meaningful transformation of the tourism industry would require deliberate collaboration, supportive policies and sustained investment.
He revealed that FTAN had developed a Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM), a roadmap aimed at uniting stakeholders across the tourism value chain under a shared vision for sustainable growth.
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Badaki said Nigeria’s tourism sector required urgent restructuring, noting that fragmented efforts and poor institutional coordination had continued to hinder its development.
He urged the Federal Government to review tourism-related laws and regulatory frameworks that create duplication, institutional conflicts, litigation and uncertainty for investors.
“Nigeria’s tourism industry requires clarity rather than conflict, coordination rather than competition among institutions, and regulations that encourage growth instead of limiting it,” he said.
He also commended ongoing reforms by the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, pledging FTAN’s continued support for efforts to reposition the sector.
Declaring the forum open, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described tourism as a key pillar for economic diversification and inclusive growth.
Musawa said Nigeria possesses enormous tourism assets, but stressed that unlocking the sector’s full potential would require visionary leadership, sound policies and stronger public-private partnerships.
“Transformation requires deliberate collaboration. It requires sound policies and investment.
“Government alone cannot finance tourism transformation. Private capital remains indispensable.
“Our responsibility is to create an enabling environment where investors can thrive with confidence,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions by forging practical partnerships, attracting bankable investments and delivering measurable results for the industry.
Delivering the keynote address, Sen. Ibrahim Ida described the forum’s theme as a timely reminder of the need to reposition tourism as a major driver of Nigeria’s economy.
He called for deeper collaboration among governments, private investors and host communities, alongside policy reforms and increased investment.
According to him, a vibrant tourism sector can generate employment, earn foreign exchange and accelerate economic diversification.
NAN reports that the forum also featured panel discussions moderated by Mrs Justina Ovat, founder of Calabar Hospitality House Limited (CHH).
Speaking during one of the sessions, Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr Ola Awakan, stressed the need for policy consistency, investor-friendly incentives and improved infrastructure to attract investment and drive growth.
Also speaking, Director of General Services at the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr Philip Maga, emphasized the importance of strengthening workforce development and professional standards to bridge skills gaps in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Representing NIHOTOUR Director-General, Dr Aare Fagade, Maga said Nigeria must improve professional training, curriculum development and service delivery standards to build a workforce capable of supporting the industry’s expansion.
Hospitality entrepreneur, Mr Lanre Balogun, advised investors to prioritize sound leadership, financial discipline and long-term planning, noting that sustainable returns depend on a clear understanding of the tourism market and operating environment.
The forum also featured exhibitions and the exchange of commemorative gifts aimed at fostering partnerships and promoting sustainable growth across Nigeria’s tourism value chain.
